Vietnamese citizen, border run possible? (visa exemption)

[gameyey]

My girlfriend is vietnamese and we are staying in Chiang Mai. We assumed we could extend her visa exemption stamp for another 30 days, but just found out this is not the case.

She needs to leave the country in a couple days, and we are trying to find the easiest (+cheaper) option to get another 30 days asap. Somebody recommended to try the Huay Xai laos border for a in-out border run, as she should get a 30 days asean exemption stamp for free in both countries. I would just like to ask here if anyone knows if this could be a problem, and what she might need to bring with her?. f.ex 20k baht in cash? would it be better if i go with her or is it pretty straightforward for her to do it alone?

[BritTim]

It seems to me that what you suggest should be fine (10,000 baht cash sufficient). However, the rules for ASEAN nationals can be different from what one would expect. Better wait until ubonjoe sees this thread and gives you a definitive answer.

[ubonjoe]

She could do a border hop at the Chiang Kong crossing to Houy Xai Laos. She would get a 30 day visa exempt entry to Laos and 30 days when re-entering the country due to a bilateral agreement.

She can cross, enter Laos, turnaround and come back. No need for an overnight stay.

[phuketrichard]

note; Vietnamese and Cambodians can ONLY get a thai visa in their own country.

Not sure how many visa exempt entries they will allow her

good luck

[gameyey]

Just posting a confirmation that it worked!, Thank you. She got a brand new 30day stamp at the Chiang Kong - Houy Xai crossing (as a vietnamese / ASEAN). Border-crossing fee 200baht.